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Reviews

Attila & Dave Project — Lifeline
((Not on label) no#, 1999, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2000-10-01

Lifeline Cover art

It’s a fact that some bands go well out of convenience’s way to sound ‘vintage’ —case in point, Lifeline. Listening to most of this latest release by this SF Bay Area trio, one might swear this was a reissue from the late 60s or very early 70s. From Attila Medveczky’s battery of analog synths (I’ve seen his rig, it looks like something from a keyboard museum), to the harmony vocal style, to drummer Rusty Aceves’ very appropriate use of hand drums during some of the vocal sections, right down to the songwriting itself, which could be comparable to early Pink (pre-Ummagumma era), early Peter Hammill, or any of a number of West Coast proto-prog hippie bands like HP Lovecraft, all run through the prog processor. Even the earliest Echolyn (before they got too complex) could provide a reference point. Oh yeah, they rock pretty hard sometimes, even throw in some grungy guitar riffs, but the overriding spirit is an intricate lyrical proto-progressive sound from simpler times, and the trio pulls it off beautifully. Brimming with catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, this level of songcraftsmanship is entirely too uncommon these days; this is one of those albums you play once or twice and the songs play on in your head for the next week. Those who missed their debut disc Songs of Innocence and Experience from 1996 (now out of print) would do well to check this latest one out.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 20, 1999 releases

Related artist(s): Attila & Dave Project

 

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